2 Somerset County kids found dead in mother’s car died of asphyxiation, prosecutor says
HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – An autopsy has revealed that the two children allegedly killed by their mother in Somerset County died of asphyxia , according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson,
On Thursday, November 11, the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office performed the post mortem examinations on Samantha Ross, 7, and 11-month-old Paul Ross and the cause of death on both children is asphyxia by airway obstruction. The manner of death is homicide, Robertson said.
The final autopsy report is expected following toxicology results. A motive has not been released as the circumstances leading to the events which caused the deaths of the two children are under investigation by authorities, Robertson said.
Yuhwei Chou, 36, of Skillman has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. She is lodged at the Somerset County Jail awaiting a bail detention hearing, Robertson said.
On Tuesday, November 9, at around 7:41 a.m., police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a disabled motor vehicle which had left the roadway on Mountain View Road, Hillsborough Township, Robertson said.
Upon arrival, officers encountered the driver, who was identified as Yuhwei Chou, 36, Skillman, and police observed two children secured in a booster seat and a baby seat in the back seat of the vehicle. Officers observed that the children were bound and restrained. No vital signs were present on the children and they were pronounced dead at the scene, Robertson said.
Anyone with information relating to the homicides to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100, or the Hillsborough Township Police Department at 908-369-4323 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
